Ask The Pros:

Question
Are these face masks designed to guard against the swine flu as well as other flu and germs?

Answer
 Below is some information which maybe able to provide some answers as they relate to your question:

The intended use of a surgical / procedure mask is to help prevent large particles expelled by the wearer (e.g. spit, mucous) from reaching the patient or work environment. Some surgical masks also have fluid resistant properties to help reduce the risk of splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions from reaching the wearer's mouth and nose. Fluids contacting the outer surface of the surgical mask will not immediately soak through to the interior of the surgical mask and contact the wearer's lips or skin.

Surgical masks are not designed to pass a fit test. Flat surgical masks fit loosely over the face leaving large gaps between the mask and the wearer. It is unlikely that most of the air will pass through the mask material. The air (and any airborne particles) will go through the gaps. Cup or Cone shaped surgical masks appear to fit tighter to the face, but they are not designed to seal to the face and cannot be relied upon to provide respiratory protection.

Surgical masks are typically donned for a specific procedure. For infection control purposes masks are typically disposed of after each procedure/patient activity.

In the United States, surgical masks are cleared for sale by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA reviews data submitted by the manufacturer but does not test the surgical mask. The FDA only allows the sale of products that meet their minimum requirements based on the data supplied.
Common tests for surgical masks include: particle filtration efficiency (PFE), bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), fluid resistance, differential pressure and flammability.

PFE: The PFE test is a quality indicator for healthcare surgical masks. The PFE test is not an indicator of respirator protection performance The filter media of a surgical mask with a very high (>95%) PFE may be less than 70% efficient when tested with the NIOSH N95 test method. The results of the surgical mask PFE testing and NIOSH filtration efficiency testing should not be compared. Conditions of the PFE test include:

• Polystyrene latex sphere test aerosol approximately 0.1 m in size;
• Airflow rate of 28 liters per minute (lpm). o Unneutralized test aerosol.
• No preconditioning

BFE: This test assesses the ability of a mask to provide a barrier to large particles expelled by the wearer. It is not a filtration efficiency test and it does not evaluate the mask's ability to provide any protection to the wearer. Two methodologies are available: the "Modified Greene and Vesley Test or ASTM method F2101-01. Fluid Resistance: The fluid resistance test is typically conducted based on the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Test Method F 1862 "Resistance to Penetration by Synthetic Blood" which determines the mask's resistance to synthetic blood squirted at it under varying pressures.

Date Posted:
11/24/2009 7:45:35 AM

Question
Kindly send me the quote for hospital over bed tri-lights

Answer
11/24/2009 8:50:48 AM
 

Date Posted:
11/24/2009 7:45:18 AM

Question
Where is my confirmation e-mail for sacro lumbar brace ordered yesterday?

Answer

Dear Margaret:

 Your confirmation has just been re-sent to moresis@cwjamaica.com.  If you do not receive your confirmation, please contact our office from 8 am to 5 pm CST. Your order has been shipped out and you should expect delivery later this week.   Thank you for your business.

Date Posted:
11/23/2009 10:23:10 PM

Question
Hi, are these caps in red and blue on the flag? in the picture it looks different I have look high and low for this Am/flag print,if so I am interested in a case. Will wait for response thank you for you business Dora

Answer
11/23/2009 8:20:37 PM
 sent customer swatch

Date Posted:
11/23/2009 8:17:17 PM

Question
Is that a slide out baby changing surface on this bassinet? It's hard to tell from the picture.

Answer

Jill,

The image reflects the optional sliding extension shelf.  This part is not included and can be added for an accessorial fee.  I will follow up with a price quotation.

Respectfully,

Brittany Steffen-Smith
brittany@msecompany.net

Date Posted:
11/23/2009 5:56:45 PM

Question
Can this be used to assist with changing a large patient in bed? If not could you tell me what would help with this assisting me in holding my father up while changing him.

Answer

 Dear Heather:

Thank you for your inquiry.  This product is not recommended for the application you have described.  Could you please tell us more about the current condition of your father so we can better assist you:

• Weight
• Height
• Age
• Physical condition (i.e. upper body able, unable to move, etc)
• Mental state (i.e. mentally alert, not aware of his surroundings, etc).

Date Posted:
11/23/2009 3:28:41 PM

Question
I am writing from Purchasing with the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.Our Ultrasound Department has requested the exact dimensions for the above named Floorstand. Who could I direct a fax to with the diagram noting the measurements that they are looking for?Also, do you have a Canadian Distributor where this Floorstand would be available?Thanks very much.

Answer

 Dear Ms. Welder:

Thank you for your inquiry.  Please send the fax to 713-706-4161 attn: Gary Gorodetsky.  We will contact you once we had a chance to review the layout.

Date Posted:
11/23/2009 2:07:19 PM

Question
Good day. I would like a price quote for the following item:Deluxe Incandescent Exam Lamp#41304BRT $176.19This will be a military purchase so keep in mind no tax. Thank you.

Answer
11/23/2009 7:13:57 AM
 sent customer quote

Date Posted:
11/23/2009 6:27:35 AM

Question
What is the PSI? I used one of these in 1966, in my school sport program. The hydro massage was incredible. Are these the same as then? What is the most amount of PSI that can or should be used for a great hydro massage? Thank you.Always in pain...Michael

Answer
11/23/2009 7:14:47 AM
 need to add PDF specs to all units.  gg

Date Posted:
11/23/2009 1:08:55 AM

Question
I do not understand your return policy. The first line says that ALL products sold by you can be eturned within 30 days yet further down it says that lift chairs cannot. What is the policy if a lift chair does not suit the purchaser ?

Answer

 Dear Derek:

Since we would like to make certain that all of our customers have the widest available selection of colors, styles and options, lift chairs, ordered from MSEC are made at the factory based on customer specifications.  Since we do not hold an inventory of lift chairs, the chairs can only be returned to the manufacturer, and at the manufacturers discretion.  If the manufacturer approves a return, it is usually comes with up to 25 percent restocking fee and round trip shipping charges.  Therefore, before, making a decision to purchase, we would recommend visiting your local lift chair retailer for a test drive. 

Date Posted:
11/22/2009 4:35:27 PM

Question
Need to know if this Surgeon Gown is made of polyester and cotton.ThanksDiana Blazquez

Answer

Thank you for the inquiry.  Lightweight 1-Ply Blockade Surgeons Gowns  fabric is a taffeta weave produced with untwisted continuous filament polyester. Constructed of 99% polyester/1% carbon.

Date Posted:
11/21/2009 1:43:58 PM

Question
I am looking for a clamp like this one, however I would like it to have a smooth jaw...no serations.

Answer

Unfortunately, we do not have a non-serrated version of this instrument.  The links below are the most similar option, less serrations.

Debakey Tangenital Occlusion Clamps
 

Date Posted:
11/20/2009 3:47:03 PM

Question
A friend drinks the D.A.G. for getting rid of the candida and yeast. Is this safe...can I drink the D.A.G. because it contains iodine?Thank you

Answer

DAG is a surface cleaner.  Oral consumption is not recommended. 

Date Posted:
11/20/2009 3:22:04 PM

Question
What percentage of medication is dispersed during inhalation. I have a portable machine that only 65% of the medication is inhaled.Thank You,Leonora

Answer

Specifications

Date Posted:
11/20/2009 10:15:33 AM

Question
Ankle/Wrist SupportItem# 328TCSMMI was wanting to get more info on this product? Is it a pull on or does it have straps or velcro?

Answer

Mr. Foster,

Unfortunately, this item has been discontinued and is inactive on our website.  We do not currently have a replacement for this item.

Date Posted:
11/19/2009 7:25:55 PM

Question
How do I replace the battery for this machine?

Answer

Dear Kelly:

Please contact http://www.novatekmedical.com/. 

Date Posted:
11/19/2009 1:08:32 PM

Question
Please send us a catalogue.

Answer

 Dear Ms. Scott:

Thank you for your inquiry.  Our web site is our catalogue. We carry products from numerous manufactures and suppliers. We add dozens of products to the web site on daily basis. However, if you are looking for something in particular, we'll be happy to assist you with your search. Please call us toll free at 1-877-706-4480 and a customer service representative will be happy to assist you.

Date Posted:
11/19/2009 1:01:47 PM

Question
I am interested in this product. The question is can this be used in a situation where the patient is without vocal cords surgically removed and the breathing is conducted trough the cannula where this product should be mounted. If this does not work is there anythig else that you have that works with this kind of situation.Thanks in advance.

Answer

 Dear Goran:

Thank you for your inquiry.  Phonate speaking valve may not work under the circumstances you have described.  At this point, we are not aware of a product which may meet your requirements.  Have you consulted with a vocal training / rehab specialist?

Date Posted:
11/19/2009 12:37:43 PM

Question
Please quote us for 24 units of your Incentive Spirometer.Thank youps. there is no 'buy now' option on your web page.

Answer

You may purchase any of the incentive spirometers on our website, however, in order to provide accurate pricing, we need to know which model number you are interested in.

Please contact us with this information and we will quote you accordingly.

Date Posted:
11/19/2009 12:04:43 PM

Question
Segura Medical Management, Inc., is a new 2009 company located at Gurabo, Puerto Rico. We perform different health care activities including the management of emergency rooms and medical services offices. Laboratories and x rays. Also the selling of medical equipment and supplies. Being a new company we are looking for suppliers of medical equipment. These will cover basic equipment and medical supplies like patients beds, carts, laryngoscopes, EKG, chairs, etc. The idea is to serve as suppliers for private and government health facilities. Would you consider establishing such a relationship with us?What are your shipping policies and costs to Puerto Rico?If positive, how fast can the equipment reach us here in the island?Any credit lines arrangements we can establish, if so how many days, etc?Do you have a written catalog with price lists so we can show our clients the products?Are there any considerations for volume purchasesproduct prices and/or shipping prices?

Answer
 Please contact Christina Villa at 877-706-4480 x 107 and she will be happy to answer all of your questions.

Date Posted:
11/19/2009 10:16:10 AM